Gluten-Free Apple Strudel Recipe

If you crave apple desserts, this Gluten-Free Apple Strudel is a must-try! The filling features tender slices of apples, fresh lemon juice, a touch of coconut sugar, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of oats for added texture. For the delicate pastry, I used rice paper brushed with butter or light olive oil, creating a crisp, golden crust. This Apple Strudel is insanely delicious—each bite captures the cozy, comforting flavors of cooler weather.

The Art of Apple Strudel: A Celebration of Tradition

Apple strudel is one of my favorite desserts whenever I visit Vienna. The authentic version of this classic treat features delicate, thin layers of dough, filled with a simple yet delicious combination of thinly sliced apples, light oil, fine breadcrumbs, cinnamon, and white sugar.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its lightness—each bite is all about the sweet, tender apples, held together by the delicate layers of dough.

While the concept of making a classic apple strudel might seem simple, I can tell you it’s far from it! Before going gluten-free, I made strudel from scratch, including the phyllo dough.

I have my grandmother to thank for teaching me the art of stretching dough. She showed me how to carefully spread it out on the kitchen table until it was so thin you could practically see through it. Once the dough was perfectly stretched, I’d fill it with apples, roll it up, and bake. It was never an easy task, but the end result was always worth the effort!

Mastering Gluten-Free Apple Strudel: A Simple, Delicious Recipe

Today, I’m going to show you how to make a gluten-free apple strudel with easy, step-by-step instructions. This recipe is simple, straightforward, and the results are absolutely outstanding.

A Simplified Approach for Novice Cooks

To make it as easy as possible, I’ve kept the recipe simple—no stretching of the dough required!  It’s a great option for beginners or anyone who wants a foolproof way to enjoy this classic dessert.

Perfect for Thanksgiving

You’re going to love this gluten-free apple strudel—it’s the perfect dessert to wow your family and friends, especially just in time for Thanksgiving! It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and sure to impress. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Best Apples for Baking: My Top Picks for Apple Desserts

• Honeycrisp: Sweet, with a hint of tartness, making them perfect for balanced flavor in baked desserts.
• Braeburn: Crisp and slightly tart, they hold their shape well and add a great depth of flavor.
• Granny Smith: Tart with a firm texture, they complement sweet ingredients and provide a nice contrast in flavor.

Apples to Avoid for Baking

• Red Delicious: Too soft and juicy; they can become mushy when baked and make the filling too liquidy, resulting in soggy dough.
• Gala: While sweet, they are also too juicy and prone to becoming mushy in baked desserts.

Gluten-Free Rice Paper Wrappers: A Perfect Substitution for Phyllo Dough

For this gluten-free apple strudel, I used rice paper wrappers as a simple and effective substitute for traditional phyllo dough. These wrappers are made from a blend of white rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, and water, making them naturally gluten-free.

• Thin and Delicate: The rice paper wrappers are incredibly thin, providing the perfect light, crispy texture for the strudel.
• Preventing Sogginess: To keep the rice paper from becoming soggy during baking, I brushed each sheet with melted butter before layering them in the pan. This creates a golden, crisp crust without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Apple Strudel

1 → make the apple filling

2 → soak the rice paper wrappers in warm water 1 – 2 minutes

3 → place the rice paper on a clean dish cloth to remove excess water

4 → layer the baking dish with 4 softened rice paper wrappers overhanging on the sides and brush with butter or for plant based diet use light olive oil

5 → spread half the apples in the pan and fold the rice paper over the apples. Brush the rice paper with butter and repeat step 4 and 5 with the remaining half of the apples

place two remaining sheets over the apples, tucking excess rice paper in the sides of the dish and brush with remaining butter and bake

With Thanksgiving just around the corner you may also enjoy the Maple Caramel Apple Tart or the Gluten-Free Apple Sponge Cake With Almond Topping

I’d Love to Hear From You!

If you try this Gluten-Free Apple Strudel recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I always love to hear your feedback, and I’m especially curious to know if you made any changes to the recipe and how it turned out.

You can also follow my latest creations and updates on Facebook. Thank you for your support, and happy baking!

Kristina xx